10 Things to Do this Weekend

July 13, 2013

(Slightly) offbeat and off-the-beaten path ideas for your off days.

1. The ancient sport of dragon boating comes to Chinatown this weekend. Each dragon-themed boat has 20 paddlers and a drummer, trying to move in unison while building their company’s team mojo. Cheer on businesses including BMO Harris as they compete in the DRAGON BOAT RACE FOR LITERACY in Ping Tom Park. July 13, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 300 W. 19th St., (312) 326-5320, www.chicagochinatown.org/…

3. More than 100 pre-war and classic cars will be on display at Makray Memorial Golf Club as part of the BARRINGTON CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE. This is not somewhere just to ooh and ahh over shiny objects. You will learn about automobiles that were milestones in design for their time. July 14, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. General admission is $25 in advance, $30 at the door; VIP tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at the door. 1010 S. Northwest Hwy., Barrington, (847) 381-4291, www.barringtonconcours.org

4. Organic gardens. Architectural gems. An Italian Renaissance church. These are some of the unexpected finds you’ll uncover on BUENA PARK OPEN DAY, a new festival of the North Side neighborhood. Don’t miss the architectural tours of Hutchinson Street or the bike rodeo. July 14, noon – 5 p.m. 4200 N. Clarendon Ave., buenaparkneighbors.org

5. More than 30 custom bikes will be on display during THE ART OF THE BICYCLE on stage at Raue Center For The Arts. Check out these two-wheeled works of art, which are part of the Tour de Crystal Lake. July 14, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free, cash bar available. 26 N. Williams, Crystal Lake, (815) 356-9212, www.rauecenter.org/…

6. MB Financial Park at Rosemont’s new summer-long concert series is one of the suburb’s good excuses to get out and dance. This week it gets kicked up a notch with ’70′s style disco from LIBIDO FUNK CIRCUS. July 11, 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free. 5501 Park Pl., Rosemont, www.rosemont.com/…

7. The Ukrainian Village’s Empty Bottle packs in the bands on a regular weekend. During WEST FEST this weekend the lineup is even bigger than ever, with Those Darlins, the Black Lips and many others. There’s also a Kid Fest, a DJ stage and much more. July 13 and July 14, noon – 10 p.m. Suggested donation is $5. 2000 W. Chicago Ave., (312) 850-9390, www.westfestchicago.com/fest

8. Want to show your summer guests what has made Second City so historically hysterical? Or just need a reminder yourself? UP COMEDY CLUB is presenting a look at the 54-year history of The Second City, with some of the troupe’s best sketches. July 11, 8 p.m., July 12, 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., July 13, 11 p.m. and July 14, 7 p.m. Tickets are $23 – $28. 230 W. North Ave., (312) 662-4562, upcomedyclub.com/…

9. With a shortened schedule, there are fewer days to check out TASTE OF CHICAGO, but not fewer things to eat. This year’s offerings include celebrity chef events. Tickets are still available for the Gale Gand and Hearty Boys brunch on Saturday. The Taste runs through July 14. July 13, noon, Gand brunch. Tickets are $40. 301 S. Columbus Dr., www.ticketweb.com/…

10. Start at Club Lucky and explore (by foot or trolley) the flora of the neighborhood during the BUCKTOWN GARDENWALK. The Plein Air Painters will capture the scene on canvas and Lottie’s Pub will host a petting zoo and offer drink specials. July 13 and July 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost is $5, which includes trolley rides. 1824 W. Wabansia Ave., www.wickerparkbucktown.info/…